Blizzard has missed several consecutive meetings and the public was told she was recuperating from surgery. Although her resignation letter was not read at the public meeting, her resignation, Garrison said, was for medical issues.

Committeeman Steve Simmerman was chosen as deputy mayor. In an emotional statement later, Simmerman said Blizzard had done a great job for the township.

“She is a very intelligent lady and I am going to miss her,” he said, asking the audience to pray for her.

Garrison also asked for prayers for Blizzard and her family.

The committee already had a replacement for the vacated committee seat. The regular meeting was preceded by a closed session, during which a part-time clerk was hired and Tammi Reynolds was sworn in as the new committee member.

Reynolds was elected last April to the school board but said Monday that she had resigned from the board last week and done the necessary paperwork to run on the ballot in the November committee election.

In welcoming her. Garrison said the procedure in this situation is for the executive committee of the local Democratic party to recommend three names for a replacement, which was done. Garrison said Reynolds has a financial background that will benefit the committee. A Newport resident, Reynolds is employed by the county at Cumberland Manor in the area of finance.

Garrison said she will appoint her new committees at the September meeting, which will be on Sept. 15.